How to Start a Part-Time Virtual Assistant Outsourcing

The virtual assistant industry has grown quickly over the last decade. Today it has its own association and several certification programs. According to the International Virtual Assistants Association, a virtual assistant is an independent contractor who works in a remote location providing administrative, creative and technical support services to multiple clients. While virtual assistant certification can lend credibility to your service, it is not required to run a business.

Decide what services to offer and what industry you’ll provide them to. Some virtual assistants focus on specific skills such as website support or customer service. Others focus on providing a variety of services to professionals in specific industries, such as Realtors or speakers. Make a list of your virtual support skills such as typing speed, writing, research, technical knowledge and phone skills. Also list your skills in using specific software and equipment, like word processing and photo enhancement software, or in using digital audio devices for transcription. Finally, list the industries you have experience in or are knowledgeable about. Using these lists, identify the services you’d like to offer and/or the industries you’d like to work in.

Write a business plan to outline all the details of starting and running your virtual assistant business. Describe your services and target market in detail. For example, providing transcription services to professional speakers or website support to authors. Outline your marketing plan for obtaining clients such as social networking with your target market. Calculate start-up and management costs, as well as profit projections. This needs to include costs of your computer, software needed to provide services and on-going fees such as Internet service. Calculate the average number of clients you need, at what average service price you need to break even as well as to make a profit.

Market your virtual assistant business online and off. Build a website that includes a portfolio of your work, if relevant such as writing or desktop design samples. Ask for testimonials from current clients. Network with your target market online and off. Send a press release that not only describes your new service, but also provides details on how businesses can benefit from hiring virtual assistant. If you’re targeting a specific industry, send articles to that industry’s trade magazine and network with its members locally and online. Develop a strategy to keep your customers coming back and having them refer new clients to you.